Monday, May 12, 2014

May 12

Michael Sam became the first openly gay player drafted by the National
Football League when he was selected by the St. Louis Rams in the
seventh round of draft picks over the weekend.

The White House issued this statement: "The President congratulates
Michael Sam, the Rams and the NFL for taking an important step forward
today in our nation's journey. From the playing field to the corporate
boardroom, LGBT Americans prove everyday that you should be judged by
what you do and not who you are."

After Sam was shown on national television kissing his boyfriend in
response to the good news, there was an immediate backlash. Although
some compared Sam’s kissing his boyfriend to other athletes kissing
their wives or girlfriends in similar situations, several prominent
players tweeted their disgust, including Miami Dolphins safety Don
Jones, who was summarily fined by his team and barred from team
activities until he finishes "training for his recent comments made on
social media."

Of course, Sam has only been drafted by a team; it is important to
remember that he has not yet gained a place on a team roster. Enormous
pressures from various factions await him.